Hair loss can appear slowly or suddenly, but it always has an underlying cause. This page provides an expert overview of the most common hair loss conditions and directs you to Shuna’s detailed guides for symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Shuna Hammocks, a prominent UK Consultant Trichologist based in Sussex, has spent decades diagnosing and treating complex hair and scalp disorders. Use this library to identify the category that best matches your symptoms.
This page summarises the most common hair loss conditions and links to complete, specialist guides for each diagnosis.
Genetic & Hormonal Hair Loss
Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)
The most common form of hair loss in men is characterised by thinning at the crown or a receding hairline caused by genetic sensitivity to DHT. [Read Guide]
Female Pattern Hair Thinning
Often presented as patterned thinning across the upper region of the scalp and widened partings. Occurring from puberty and beyond. [Read Guide]
Androgen-Dependent Alopecia
This is the category of hair loss that describes No. 1 and No.2, driven by hormonal sensitivities affecting hair follicles in both men and women.[Read Guide]
PCOS-Related Hair Loss
Caused by often elevated androgens in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), leading to reduced hair density and volume. May also involve the first three conditions. [Read Guide]
Autoimmune Hair Loss
Conditions where the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles.
Alopecia Areata
Sudden, smooth, round patches of hair loss that may appear overnight. Common in both adults and children. These are in the category of temporary hair loss; however, this condition is also considered to be autoimmune-derived. [Read Guide]
Alopecia Totalis / Universalis
Advanced forms of autoimmune hair loss resulting in the complete loss of hair on the scalp (Totalis) or entire body (Universalis). [Read Guide]
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA)
A scarring form of hair loss that causes progressive recession of the hairline, most frequently diagnosed in postmenopausal women. [Read Guide]
Reactive & Lifestyle-Related Hair Loss
Shedding triggered by internal stressors, illness, or major hormonal shifts.
Telogen Effluvium
Excessive temporary shedding can occur after a triggering event, such as severe stress, fever, or rapid weight loss. [Read Guide]
Menopause Hair Loss
Thinning and loss of volume are triggered by dropping oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause. [Read Guide]
Postpartum (Post-Pregnancy) Hair Loss
A temporary but distressing increase in shedding in the months following childbirth. If this continues beyond 9 months, help should be sought. [Read Guide]
Teenage Hair Loss
Hair loss in adolescents is often linked to hormonal surges, dietary deficiencies, lack of hair washing or stress. [Read Guide]
Mechanical & Behavioural Hair Loss
Damage caused by physical stress, styling habits, or friction.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss along the hairline, frontal or rear, is caused by tight hairstyles such as braids, heavy extensions, weaves, or ponytails pulling on the follicle over a prolonged period of time [Read Guide]
Trichotillomania
A hair-pulling disorder is often linked to anxiety, resulting in irregular patches of broken or missing hair. It can affect children, teens and adults. [Read Guide]
Hair Breakage
Often mistaken for shedding, this is damage to the hair shaft caused by heat styling, chemical processing, playing with hair too much or lack of moisture. [Read Guide]
Specialised Areas
Eyebrow Hair Loss
Thinning or missing eyebrows can be a key indicator of thyroid issues or scarring alopecia, however Shuna does not consult eyebrows. Loss as a stand-alone complaint. [Learn More]
Diagnosis & Treatment Pathways
- How We Diagnose Hair Loss: Gentle questions and giving you time to share your concerns in an hour visit face to face. An accurate diagnosis is vital. Shuna uses clinical trichoscopy, scalp evaluation, and comprehensive blood test analysis, where relevant, to identify the root cause, going deeper than standard GP checks.
- Treatment Options: We provide evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your specific condition, often working with your existing products and fitting into your lifestyle. From clinical therapies to specialist home care programmes.
- Emotional Support: Hair loss is not just cosmetic, despite what some online searches say. The degree of emotional upset hair loss causes needs to be managed sensitively. Shuna provides guidance and practical advice for managing the psychological impact of hair loss.
Shuna Hammocks is a leading hair specialist based in Sussex, supporting patients across the South East and the UK.
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FAQs about Hair Loss Conditions
What is the difference between a GP and a Consultant Trichologist?
While a GP looks for general health indicators, a Consultant Trichologist like Shuna Hammocks specialises exclusively in the hair and scalp. GPs are often time-limited and may not have access to specialised diagnostic tools, such as trichoscopy. A trichologist provides a dedicated 45–60 minute consultation to investigate the genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle causes of your hair loss that standard blood tests might miss.
Can stress really cause my hair to fall out?
Yes, severe emotional or physical stress can trigger a condition called Telogen Effluvium. This typically occurs 2–3 months after a stressful event, leading to increased hair shedding. In most cases, this is temporary. Shuna helps patients identify the trigger and provides a recovery plan to support the hair cycle as it returns to normal.
What are the early signs of Female Pattern Hair Thinning?
Unlike men who often see a receding hairline, women with pattern thinning (androgenetic alopecia) usually experience a general loss of volume or a “widening parting” along the top of the scalp. You may notice your ponytail feels thinner or that your scalp is more visible under bright lights, while the front hairline remains intact.
How does Shuna Hammocks diagnose the specific cause of hair loss?
Diagnosis at our Sussex clinic involves a three-step forensic approach:
- Clinical History: A deep dive into your health, diet, and family genetics.
- Trichoscopy: High-magnification digital imaging of the scalp to examine follicle health.
- Blood Analysis: Reviewing key markers (such as Ferritin, Thyroid, and B12) that affect hair growth but are often considered “normal” by general standards.
Do I need a referral to book a hair loss consultation?
No, you do not need a GP referral to book an appointment with Shuna Hammocks. As a private Consultant Trichologist, you can self-refer. We support patients across Sussex (including Brighton, Haywards Heath, and Crawley) and the wider UK who are seeking answers for unexplained hair loss.
Last reviewed by: Shuna Hammocks, MIT (Aug 2026)
